Cost & Savings
Will Filing a Claim Raise My Home Insurance?
Short answer
It can. Many insurers raise premiums or remove claim-free discounts after claims, and claims stay on your CLUE history for about seven years, where future insurers can see them. Some states limit surcharges; Texas, for example, bars surcharges for weather claims or denied claims. For a small loss, compare the repair estimate with your deductible before deciding, and ask your insurer how a claim would be treated.
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This line is for new or replacement coverage quotes. For an existing claim, contact your current insurer; in an emergency, call 911 first.
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At a glance
- Claims can raise premiums and end claim-free discounts.
- CLUE reports show about seven years of claims on you and the property.
- Texas rules: no surcharge for denied claims, policy questions or weather claims.
- Repairs near or below the deductible may not be worth a claim.
Already have damage or an open claim?
Contact your current insurer or agent using the claim number or phone listed on your policy documents. The quote line on this site is for new or replacement coverage; it cannot file, review or change an existing claim. In an emergency, call 911 first.
On this page
The Texas Department of Insurance answers this directly: it depends on the type of claim and how many you file, but premiums can go up if you file claims, and you could lose discounts for being claim-free.
What insurers can see: the CLUE report
TDI explains that most insurers get a Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) report to learn your claims history. It shows seven years of claims on you and on the property, including the date, type of loss and amount paid. You can request a free copy each year and dispute errors. TDI also notes that home buyers can ask sellers for the property’s CLUE report.
Texas limits on surcharges
In Texas, according to TDI, home insurers can’t charge you more for:
- Claims the company didn’t pay, including denied claims.
- Calling your company or agent to ask questions about the policy or claims process.
- Claims for damage from natural causes, including weather.
- Appliance-related water damage claims, if the repairs were inspected and certified, unless you have three or more claims in three years.
These are Texas rules. Other states have their own rules, and some have none on these points. Ask your insurer or state insurance department what applies.
Should you file a small claim?
TDI suggests checking your deductible and getting repair estimates first. Illustration only:
| Repair estimate | Deductible | Claim payment |
|---|---|---|
| $1,200 | $1,000 | $200 |
| $2,500 | $1,000 | $1,500 |
| $12,000 | $1,000 | $11,000 |
A $200 payment may cost more over time if it ends a claim-free discount. A $11,000 loss is what insurance is for. Health, safety and serious damage should always come first, and you should still take reasonable steps to prevent further damage.
Asking a question is not a claim (in Texas)
Under the Texas rule above, asking your agent whether something would be covered shouldn’t count against you. Elsewhere, ask how your insurer records inquiries.
After a claim
If your premium rises after a claim, you can compare quotes, but other insurers will see the same claims history. See switching after a claim.
By phone
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Sources and how this page was checked
Page updatedThis page is general information written from the public sources below. It has not been reviewed by an insurance company, attorney or licensed agent for your situation. Your policy form, endorsements, insurer and state rules decide what is covered.
Sources
- Texas Department of Insurance — Will my premium go up if I file a claim?Retrieved and reviewed October 25, 2026. Texas limits on surcharging certain claims (denied claims, questions, weather, inspected appliance water claims) are Texas rules and are labeled as such.
- Texas Department of Insurance — Check your property’s insurance claim historyRetrieved and reviewed October 25, 2026 for CLUE reports: seven-year property and personal claim history, free annual consumer disclosure and disputes.
- Texas Department of Insurance — DeductiblesRetrieved and reviewed October 25, 2026 for dollar vs. percentage deductibles (worked example on a $150,000 home), per-claim application and the premium tradeoff of a higher deductible.
Before you rely on this page
- Read your declarations page, policy form and every endorsement; they control over any summary.
- Ask the insurer or agent to confirm limits, deductibles and exclusions in writing before you buy or cancel coverage.
- For state rules, deadlines or complaints, check your state insurance department directly.